Councils tighten grip on rogue landlords

Housing minister Heather Wheeler has announced that councils will receive a £2 million fund from the government to tackle rogue landlords.

The government has taken these measures to protect tenants who have been forced to live in squalid conditions, and to improve standards in the rental sector.

Councils will be able to bid for funding to step up enforcement action against a small minority of landlords who have provided inadequate and unsafe housing for their tenants, including young families and others who are vulnerable to exploitation.

Local authorities will be able to use a range of measures, including fines and banning orders, to tackle rogue landlords.

Wheeler said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe and secure, and it is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security.

“This funding will help further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle rogue landlords and ensure that poor-quality homes in their area are improved, making the housing market fairer for everyone.”

With the funding, councils will aim to build relationships with external organisations such as the emergency services, legal services and local housing advocates.

Councils will also be encouraged to share best practice enforcement action and examples of innovative approaches that are self-sustaining and can be easily adapted across the country.